AN exhibition highlighting the role of the “forgotten father” of the RAF is being staged by Glasgow University as part of centenary commemorations for the service.
Opening today, it tells the story of Lieutenant General Sir David Henderson, a former student who learned to fly at the age 49 and played a vital role in establishing the RAF, which was founded on April 1, 1918.
The exhibition in the university chapel traces the history of the RAF through the stories of those who served, and looks at Glasgow’s connections with the service. University chaplain the Rev Stuart D MacQuarrie said: “The university lost 761 members of its community in the First World War. During the four years of the centenary commemorations, we have helped to remember and tell the stories of those from our ranks who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“The chapel has the names of all of those who died inscribed on its walls. We are honoured to host this exhibition and remember those alumni who played such a vital role in the development and history of the RAF.”
Glasgow-born Henderson was appointed director-general of Military Aeronautics in 1913 and assumed command of the Royal Flying Corps at the start of the war in 1914. In 1917 he was seconded to work with General Jan Smuts who had been authorised to conduct a review of the British Air Services. Henderson largely wrote the Smuts report and his view that there should be a single aviation service was said to be key to the foundation of the RAF.
The exhibition also features paintings by Scottish artist and designer Professor Dugald Cameron (pictured), one of the UK’s leading aviation artists.
Jesper Ericsson of the Hunterian Museum, who curated the exhibition, said: “Former students and alumni played key roles in the history of military aviation in this country, and helped make the RAF the most famous air force in the world.
“This very special connection is something Glasgow should be proud of,” he added.
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